|| 2nd Grade Authors Publish a Book!
Our 2nd grade class recently published a book through Student Treasures! Students brainstormed title ideas and then voted on a favorite and the winning title was Believe in Yourself and Follow Your Dreams.
Over several weeks, each student planned, organized, and drafted their writing as part of this exciting project. We’d also like to thank Ms. Lawrence, who worked with students during art class to create their illustrations and designed the beautiful cover, thoughtfully incorporating each child’s “dream” into the artwork.
Printed copies have arrived, and families who placed orders received them last week. There is still time to order a copy for anyone who would like one. Additionally, a copy will be available in the library for students and staff to enjoy and check out.
We are so proud of our young authors and their hard work!
Our 2nd grade class recently published a book through Student Treasures! Students brainstormed title ideas and then voted on a favorite and the winning title was Believe in Yourself and Follow Your Dreams.
Over several weeks, each student planned, organized, and drafted their writing as part of this exciting project. We’d also like to thank Ms. Lawrence, who worked with students during art class to create their illustrations and designed the beautiful cover, thoughtfully incorporating each child’s “dream” into the artwork.
Printed copies have arrived, and families who placed orders received them last week. There is still time to order a copy for anyone who would like one. Additionally, a copy will be available in the library for students and staff to enjoy and check out.
We are so proud of our young authors and their hard work!
|| Baking Fun in Sixth Grade!
Our sixth graders whipped up some delicious corn muffins in cooking class!
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for planning such a fun and hands-on lesson -- the students loved it!
Our sixth graders whipped up some delicious corn muffins in cooking class!
Thank you to Ms. Cantrell for planning such a fun and hands-on lesson -- the students loved it!
|| Morning Program Highlights
Today’s Morning Program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by student announcements from each grade including the weather and lunch menu, and for our Kids with Character moment, we all joined together to sing the Gratitude Song. Students kept the energy fun with jokes and shared interesting fun facts, and we celebrated birthdays for Hudson, Carter, Gabe, and Aurora (Happy Birthday!).
We were also excited to welcome seniors Brianna and Addison, who shared details about their community service project supporting residents at the Chenango Valley Home. They are collecting donations of:
• Throw blankets
• Small stuffed animals
• Fluffy socks
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & body wash
• Combs & hairbrushes
Thank you for leading such a thoughtful project!
Riley gave an update on our new Book Nook on Wheels, now making the rounds at OV, and we wrapped up with OV Shoutouts for each grade and another fantastic session of OV’s Got Talent, featuring Ariana’s awesome performance of “Somebody’s Daughter.”
What a wonderful way to start our Friday!
Today’s Morning Program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by student announcements from each grade including the weather and lunch menu, and for our Kids with Character moment, we all joined together to sing the Gratitude Song. Students kept the energy fun with jokes and shared interesting fun facts, and we celebrated birthdays for Hudson, Carter, Gabe, and Aurora (Happy Birthday!).
We were also excited to welcome seniors Brianna and Addison, who shared details about their community service project supporting residents at the Chenango Valley Home. They are collecting donations of:
• Throw blankets
• Small stuffed animals
• Fluffy socks
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & body wash
• Combs & hairbrushes
Thank you for leading such a thoughtful project!
Riley gave an update on our new Book Nook on Wheels, now making the rounds at OV, and we wrapped up with OV Shoutouts for each grade and another fantastic session of OV’s Got Talent, featuring Ariana’s awesome performance of “Somebody’s Daughter.”
What a wonderful way to start our Friday!
|| A Sweet Surprise for National Education Week!
A heartfelt thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 973 for the delicious doughnuts provided to Otselic Valley in honor of National Education Week.
We truly appreciate your support and kindness. Thank you for helping us feel celebrated!
A heartfelt thank you to the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post 973 for the delicious doughnuts provided to Otselic Valley in honor of National Education Week.
We truly appreciate your support and kindness. Thank you for helping us feel celebrated!
|| November Star Awards -- Celebrating Responsibility!
We’re proud to recognize our November OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and November’s theme was Responsibility.
Congratulations to:
• Izzy Neal
• Julia Brown
• Orin Vroman
• Josie Guernsey
• Kaydance DuBois
• Abby Oralls
• Mindy Marshall
• Eleanor Swayze Epolito
• Brianna Paterson
• Danica Davis
• Kassidy Kelly
• Colt DuBois
Thank you for setting a positive example and showing what responsibility looks like at Otselic Valley!
We’re proud to recognize our November OV Star Award recipients for grades 6-12! Each month, Otselic Valley honors students who demonstrate important character traits, and November’s theme was Responsibility.
Congratulations to:
• Izzy Neal
• Julia Brown
• Orin Vroman
• Josie Guernsey
• Kaydance DuBois
• Abby Oralls
• Mindy Marshall
• Eleanor Swayze Epolito
• Brianna Paterson
• Danica Davis
• Kassidy Kelly
• Colt DuBois
Thank you for setting a positive example and showing what responsibility looks like at Otselic Valley!
|| Community Resource: Free Movie Matinee Featuring Instant Family!
The Children's Home is hosting a FREE screening of Instant Family at The Colonia Theatre on Friday, November 28th at 3:00 PM.
This event supports Adoption Awareness Month and helps shine a light on foster care in our community.
As highlighted by The Evening Sun, the movie celebrates “the beauty of foster care and adoption,” following a couple whose lives are transformed when they foster three siblings. Read the entire story here: https://rebrand.ly/7r6qxzm
• Free tickets through Eventbrite: reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../chowc-presents-instant...
• Friday, November 28
• 3:00 PM
• Colonia Theatre, Norwich
This community event helps raise awareness about foster care and adoption during Adoption Awareness Month.
The Children's Home is hosting a FREE screening of Instant Family at The Colonia Theatre on Friday, November 28th at 3:00 PM.
This event supports Adoption Awareness Month and helps shine a light on foster care in our community.
As highlighted by The Evening Sun, the movie celebrates “the beauty of foster care and adoption,” following a couple whose lives are transformed when they foster three siblings. Read the entire story here: https://rebrand.ly/7r6qxzm
• Free tickets through Eventbrite: reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../chowc-presents-instant...
• Friday, November 28
• 3:00 PM
• Colonia Theatre, Norwich
This community event helps raise awareness about foster care and adoption during Adoption Awareness Month.
|| Throwback Thursday!
Today we’re looking back at 2004 and The Music Man from the New Horizons: Stepping Toward Tomorrow yearbook.
These photos capture some great moments on stage -- from the “76 Trombones” parade to town scenes bringing River City to life.
A fun look back at OV memories!
Today we’re looking back at 2004 and The Music Man from the New Horizons: Stepping Toward Tomorrow yearbook.
These photos capture some great moments on stage -- from the “76 Trombones” parade to town scenes bringing River City to life.
A fun look back at OV memories!
|| Helping Local Families This Holiday Season
Otselic Valley is collaborating with local community organizations to support families facing food insecurity.
Monetary donations can be mailed to the South Otselic Methodist Church (P.O. Box 47 and designate “Holiday Food for Families") or the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (P.O. Box 113).
Together, we can make a difference
Otselic Valley is collaborating with local community organizations to support families facing food insecurity.
Monetary donations can be mailed to the South Otselic Methodist Church (P.O. Box 47 and designate “Holiday Food for Families") or the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (P.O. Box 113).
Together, we can make a difference
|| Show Your Viking Pride!
The Otselic Valley Student Government is excited to announce that the OVCS Spirit Wear Store is now open!
• Order your favorite Viking gear online at:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ovcs
Special Offer: Get 15% off your order with code OVCS15 -- now through November 28, 2025!
Thank you for supporting our Student Government and showing your Viking spirit wherever you go!
The Otselic Valley Student Government is excited to announce that the OVCS Spirit Wear Store is now open!
• Order your favorite Viking gear online at:
https://teamlocker.squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ovcs
Special Offer: Get 15% off your order with code OVCS15 -- now through November 28, 2025!
Thank you for supporting our Student Government and showing your Viking spirit wherever you go!
|| Class of 2030 Poinsettia & Wreath Pickup!
The poinsettias and wreaths from the Class of 2030 Fundraiser will be arriving at school on Tuesday, November 25th and will be available for pickup after 12:30 PM in the library.
Library Hours for Pickup:
• Tuesday: Open until 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: Open 3:00–7:00 PM
|| Extra Items for Sale!
We also ordered additional poinsettias and wreaths:
• Poinsettias – $18
• Wreaths – $27
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2030!
The poinsettias and wreaths from the Class of 2030 Fundraiser will be arriving at school on Tuesday, November 25th and will be available for pickup after 12:30 PM in the library.
Library Hours for Pickup:
• Tuesday: Open until 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: Open 3:00–7:00 PM
|| Extra Items for Sale!
We also ordered additional poinsettias and wreaths:
• Poinsettias – $18
• Wreaths – $27
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2030!
| Bravo, OV Drama Club!
Congratulations to our incredibly talented Otselic Valley Drama Club on their fantastic performances of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza!
A special shout-out to our seniors for their leadership and dedication:
• Josie Guernsey
• Lilly Palmer
• Kenzie Reandeau
• Addison Beeman
• Wyatt Eaton, who also served as Student Director
We’d also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Kalin (Casting Director), Mr. Taylor (Technical Director), and the entire cast and crew, including everyone who worked on sets, props, tech, and costumes. And of course, thank you to all of the staff and volunteers whose time, support, and behind-the-scenes efforts made this production possible.
We are so proud of everyone who brought this production to life!
Click to view the full gallery of photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PdJ7DfJn9Yc1YNLU7
Congratulations to our incredibly talented Otselic Valley Drama Club on their fantastic performances of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza!
A special shout-out to our seniors for their leadership and dedication:
• Josie Guernsey
• Lilly Palmer
• Kenzie Reandeau
• Addison Beeman
• Wyatt Eaton, who also served as Student Director
We’d also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Kalin (Casting Director), Mr. Taylor (Technical Director), and the entire cast and crew, including everyone who worked on sets, props, tech, and costumes. And of course, thank you to all of the staff and volunteers whose time, support, and behind-the-scenes efforts made this production possible.
We are so proud of everyone who brought this production to life!
Click to view the full gallery of photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PdJ7DfJn9Yc1YNLU7
|| Career Exploration in Action!
As part of career exploration, students participated in two recent field trips that opened their eyes to exciting career paths.
On the first trip, seniors planning to enter the nursing field visited Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital. Students toured the facility and even identified safety concerns in the high-tech simulation lab. The group also toured Le Moyne College, gaining a firsthand look at college life and future opportunities.
On the second trip, 9th graders interested in law enforcement traveled to SUNY Morrisville–Norwich for Law Enforcement Day, where they stepped into the shoes of detectives during a mock crime scene. They learned directly from police officers, detectives, 911 dispatchers, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, and SUNY Morrisville students majoring in criminal justice.
Our students asked great questions, explored new careers, and came back inspired!
A special thank-you to Ms. Macrino, Academic and Career Coordinator, for organizing these incredible learning experiences!
As part of career exploration, students participated in two recent field trips that opened their eyes to exciting career paths.
On the first trip, seniors planning to enter the nursing field visited Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital. Students toured the facility and even identified safety concerns in the high-tech simulation lab. The group also toured Le Moyne College, gaining a firsthand look at college life and future opportunities.
On the second trip, 9th graders interested in law enforcement traveled to SUNY Morrisville–Norwich for Law Enforcement Day, where they stepped into the shoes of detectives during a mock crime scene. They learned directly from police officers, detectives, 911 dispatchers, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, and SUNY Morrisville students majoring in criminal justice.
Our students asked great questions, explored new careers, and came back inspired!
A special thank-you to Ms. Macrino, Academic and Career Coordinator, for organizing these incredible learning experiences!
|| Challenge accepted (and completed)!
Mr. Gross made a bet with his class: if 80% of his third grade students scored 80 or higher on their ELA test, he’d eat a bite of an onion!
The students rose to the challenge -- and Mr. Gross kept his promise!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/2FuhjwVlHcY
Mr. Gross made a bet with his class: if 80% of his third grade students scored 80 or higher on their ELA test, he’d eat a bite of an onion!
The students rose to the challenge -- and Mr. Gross kept his promise!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/2FuhjwVlHcY
|| Learning Through Art: Kindergarten’s Directed Drawing Turkeys
Directed drawings are a fun and meaningful way to build fine motor skills, listening and direction-following, visual and spatial awareness, sequential thinking, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Our Kindergarten students rocked their directed drawings last week -- just look at these amazing turkeys!
Great job, Kindergarten, and thank you to Mrs. Davis for leading such a creative lesson!
Directed drawings are a fun and meaningful way to build fine motor skills, listening and direction-following, visual and spatial awareness, sequential thinking, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Our Kindergarten students rocked their directed drawings last week -- just look at these amazing turkeys!
Great job, Kindergarten, and thank you to Mrs. Davis for leading such a creative lesson!
|| Sneak Peek!
Students enjoyed a special preview of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza this morning, performed by our talented Otselic Valley Drama Club! The cast delivered a short scene that gave everyone a fun taste of the fast-paced comedy coming to the stage this weekend!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• OVCS Multipurpose Room
Don’t miss the full performance of this hilarious take on Greek myths, it’s sure to be a show you won’t forget!
Students enjoyed a special preview of The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza this morning, performed by our talented Otselic Valley Drama Club! The cast delivered a short scene that gave everyone a fun taste of the fast-paced comedy coming to the stage this weekend!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• OVCS Multipurpose Room
Don’t miss the full performance of this hilarious take on Greek myths, it’s sure to be a show you won’t forget!
|| Morning Program Highlights
We kicked off today’s Morning Program with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by students from each grade sharing announcements including the weather, lunch menu, and our “Kids with Character” segment, where 2nd graders reminded us what it means to be responsible.
Students kept everyone smiling with jokes, we celebrated birthdays for Brantley, Ellie, Shira, and Landon (and of course sang Happy Birthday!), and recognized our OV Stars from each grade for showing outstanding responsibility.
The program wrapped up with OV’s Got Talent and an amazing 1st Grade Showcase!
Each student shared their creative project, starting with a paint swatch as inspiration, they designed insects that could camouflage in nature. After exploring outdoors to collect materials like leaves, pinecones, and wildflowers, students built habitats, named their insects, described their diets and traits, and proudly shared their creations with everyone!
We kicked off today’s Morning Program with the Pledge of Allegiance and a patriotic song, followed by students from each grade sharing announcements including the weather, lunch menu, and our “Kids with Character” segment, where 2nd graders reminded us what it means to be responsible.
Students kept everyone smiling with jokes, we celebrated birthdays for Brantley, Ellie, Shira, and Landon (and of course sang Happy Birthday!), and recognized our OV Stars from each grade for showing outstanding responsibility.
The program wrapped up with OV’s Got Talent and an amazing 1st Grade Showcase!
Each student shared their creative project, starting with a paint swatch as inspiration, they designed insects that could camouflage in nature. After exploring outdoors to collect materials like leaves, pinecones, and wildflowers, students built habitats, named their insects, described their diets and traits, and proudly shared their creations with everyone!
|| Toys for Tots – Spreading Holiday Cheer in Our Communities!
The Toys for Tots programs in Chenango and Madison counties are now open for the holiday season! Families can request toys, and community members can donate online or find local drop-off locations to help make the season brighter for children in need.
|| Chenango County:
• Visit Website: https://norwich-ny.toysfortots.org/.../default.aspx...
• Toy Request Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
|| Madison County:
• Visit Website: https://canastota-ny.toysfortots.org/.../lco.../Default.aspx
• Toy Request Form: https://canastota-ny.toysfortots.org/.../local-toy...
Whether you’re donating or requesting support, you’re part of a community that cares!
The Toys for Tots programs in Chenango and Madison counties are now open for the holiday season! Families can request toys, and community members can donate online or find local drop-off locations to help make the season brighter for children in need.
|| Chenango County:
• Visit Website: https://norwich-ny.toysfortots.org/.../default.aspx...
• Toy Request Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
|| Madison County:
• Visit Website: https://canastota-ny.toysfortots.org/.../lco.../Default.aspx
• Toy Request Form: https://canastota-ny.toysfortots.org/.../local-toy...
Whether you’re donating or requesting support, you’re part of a community that cares!
|| The Otselic Valley Fall Play is almost here!
Join us this weekend for The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- performed by our talented Drama Club!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• OVCS Multipurpose Room
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
Join us this weekend for The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, a comedy by Don Zolidis -- performed by our talented Drama Club!
• Friday, November 14th & Saturday, November 15th
• 7:00 PM
• OVCS Multipurpose Room
Tickets:
Adults – $10
Students – $5
Children under 5 – Free
|| Throwback Thursday -- 1962 South Otselic Centralian Yearbook!
We’re taking a trip back to 1962, the year that marked the 25th anniversary of the Centralian Yearbook at South Otselic!
These classic photos feature the Varsity Basketball Team and Varsity Cheerleaders, proudly representing South Otselic Central School.
So much has changed since 1962, but the pride and spirit of our Vikings remain the same!
We’re taking a trip back to 1962, the year that marked the 25th anniversary of the Centralian Yearbook at South Otselic!
These classic photos feature the Varsity Basketball Team and Varsity Cheerleaders, proudly representing South Otselic Central School.
So much has changed since 1962, but the pride and spirit of our Vikings remain the same!
|| Stay in the Loop with OV Rooms!
Rooms makes it simple to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff, all in one secure place. Send messages, get updates, and see important school info right through the Otselic Valley app.
If you haven’t joined yet, it’s easy to log in and get started!
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
Rooms makes it simple to connect with teachers, coaches, and staff, all in one secure place. Send messages, get updates, and see important school info right through the Otselic Valley app.
If you haven’t joined yet, it’s easy to log in and get started!
• Android: https://rebrand.ly/cbhnnvz
• iPhone: https://rebrand.ly/77ybvda
Stay connected. Stay informed.
